Question:
Has anyone had a cold before surgery? did it effect it?
My surgery is schedule 9/25, everyone I work with has a cold and I am affraid of catching it. I dont want my lungs to yucky prior to surgery. I am affraid of embolisms (did I spell that right)? Anyway, just being a little paranoid so I thought I would see what your thougths are. Thanks bunches!! — Debbie W. (posted on September 3, 2002)
September 3, 2002
I understand your worry. I had a slight cold that lingered as a residual
dry cough before I hd surgery. I met with the anesthesiologist the day
before my surgery and she asked me some detailed questions and checked my
lung sounds. It was rough having a cough after surgery though, but I
survived it with the help of my codein based pain med which doubled as a
cough suppressant. Just be straight and honest with your surgeon and his
team and they will make the best decisions for you. Best of luck to you.
— SARose61
September 3, 2002
Hi, I had a cold come on about 4 days prior to surgery. I did Zicam, which
is a zinc nasal spray, and vitamin C, and cold remedies, and took it easy
to try to get better. I did call on the Friday before my surgery (surgery
on Monday) and told their head nurse about my situation. She said she'd
tell the doctor and that they'd make an assessment the day of surgery. So
I went in, got prepped for surgery, no fever, drippy nose so was given the
OK. YAY! As the previous poster said, just be honest and see what
happens. If I had been really sick, or had had a fever, I don't think I
would have had surgery. Do what you can, take care of yourself, and do
what's right for you. Good luck!
— Sarah C.
September 3, 2002
I ended up with bronchitus (sp?) 1 week before surgery, and it had to be
postponed a week. I had the surgery, but was not completely recovered, and
I paid for it. I had breathing problems while in the hospital. I got out
of it, but it was no picnic. So please be careful!
— Kurt B.
September 3, 2002
I felt a cold coming on about 2 weeks before my surgery, and I went to the
store and bought huge quantities of vitamin C. I took three tablets a day.
I don't know if it helped...but I do know that the cold never became full
blown. By the time my surgery came around, I had no hint of one. Try to
stay away from those that ARE sick and wash your hands A LOT! IF you have
to use the same telephone, wipe it off with an alcohol pad. You can also
buy that instant hand santizer and use it while you are at work every hour
or so. It will dry your hands out a little...but it may also keep unwanted
germs away. If you do get sick....be sure to tell your doctor! Don't try to
hide it no matter what...especially if it is in your chest. That could
really compromise your surgery and put you at risk. Good Luck!
— Shawnie S.
September 3, 2002
I had a cold and went in for surgery, the doctor gave me thera-flu, If I
would have the chance to do it again, I probally would have waited and
gotten over the cold. I coughed and coughed and it HURT! Actually that was
the worst part of the whole surgery. I hope this helps. GOOD LUCK!
— MONMIT
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